When applied to taijiquan, The Science of the Essence causes the student
to really examine, contemplate and research the design elements that led to
the creation of taijiquan.
Understanding these factors enables the student to recognise the differences
in taijiquan styles, systems and approaches.
Why certain schools emphasise particular qualities which others discard.

By studying Taoism, The Tai Chi Classics, biomechanics and combat
applications (featuring a wide variety of scenarios) a more
informed,
in-depth, discerning eye is cultivated.
Opinions, expectations and hearsay are replaced by a growing insight into
the nature of the art.

Ultimately a student can learn what the essence of taijiquan is.
Their training can be honed to accentuate these factors and draw them out.
The taijiquan can become something that Yang Lu-chan would not be
embarrassed by.

In some martial arts, the forms are practiced rigorously yet often
discarded in application.
This seems odd.
Many taijiquan classes adopt the same attitude.

Sifu Waller

Sifu Waller's approach to taijiquan does not treat form in this way - if the
form cannot be used in self defence, there would seem little point in
practicing it.
Yet, the form is stylised and as such not suitable for self defence... so
how do we use it?
Seek out the essence.
Every taijiquan form movement has an intrinsic quality.
You must determine what it is for each individual movement.

Movements The essence of taijiquan is the 13 postures.
13 postures are not addressed in detail until later in the syllabus, but
the foundation is laid earlier.
Form represents a medium for the manifestation of 13 postures; 13
combinations of power (jing).
The movements are designed to generate energy release.
To use the taijiquan form in combat, you must find the unique physical
signature for each movement.

Essence

Every movement has its own characteristic and this is not just the placement
of the hands.
By moving the torso, shifting the weight, spiralling the body, flexing the
spine and adjusting the limbs - you create a movement.What is the essence of 'single whip'?To produce the movement, you must move the body in a certain way.
Once you can feel the essence of each movement, you can generate the jing
and this is what you use in combat.

Application

For every form movement you must consider what it can be used to counter.Imagine attacks: what angle of approach is your opponent using and which
limb?Employ the physics; see the arc of the attacking limb relative to the
movement of the movement.
Ensure that the two are in accord.
Make no assumptions about the attacker.
Do not distort the essence of the movement to accommodate an attack.
If the movement is unsuitable, use another rather than change its essence to
fit the application.
You should feel comfortable applying the movement; it should be easy and
natural, and adhere to the taijiquan principles.

Zen was often opposed to the precepts of
orthodox Buddhism. To the transcendental insight of the Zen, words were but
an encumbrance to thought; the whole sway of Buddhist scriptures only
commentaries on personal speculation. The followers of Zen aimed at direct
communication with the inner nature of things, regarding their outward
accessories only as impediments to a clear perception of truth.